The city of steeples - Jill & Phil

It is safe to say we don't have enough time to do this city properly, I could have spent several days in the Notre Dame Cathedral alone because of the immense amount of history. After all it is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world and thanks to Monet painting it so much we associate it with this city. Monet took a room in what was a women's clothing shop across the street (he actually had to hide away so not to upset the women customers. The building later became the Finance Office and now is the Tourist Office.

It became the highest in France when the cast iron spire was added in 1876 and now reaches 161 metres in height
The church was badly bombed during April 1944. After the war tradesmen rebuilt it in its original form.

When you first walk into this Cathedral the enormity takes your breath away. The stain glass windows of the various chapels were beautiful. Each has its own story.

In the beginning of this city the Romans established a settlement on the right bank. Rotomagus , the ancestor of Rouen became the second largest town of Gaul. The town suffered barbaric invasions and massive Christianisation before becoming the capital of the duchy of Normandy in 843, ruled by the Viking chief Rollon. His tomb is buried in the Cathedral. Then in the Middle Ages, Richard 1 as Duke of Normandy captured the city which became an important hub for trade under William the Conqueror. So they have a tomb for him. Actuallt it only has his heart in the coffin!! During the Hundred Years War, King Henry V of England captured Rouen and made it part of his country. His body is also lying in a tomb in this Cathedral. The King of France didn't reclaim Rouen til 1449.

So you can see how I could have spent several days looking at everything in this cathedral as I haven't touched on St Joan of Arc's chapel; nor the disaster caused by the war and much more. It was simply a wonderful place to visit.

The best way to see Rouen is simply to wander and explore small streets and lanes with its well preserved medieval charm. Half timbered houses line many of the streets. The oldest date back to the 14th century and the technique was used until the 19th century. One of the narrowest streets is Rue des Chanoines. It was named after the many Canons who lived there, walking up and down the street five or six tines every day to pray. Rouen's smallest street is Rue du Petit-Mutton. In the Middle Ages only one horse could take it at a time.

Rouen is one of those cities that there is something of interest around every corner from a shop selling antique toys; to cute tea rooms, to Le Gros Horloge (a Renaissance clock built in 1527); small gift shops to the modern shops. Something for everyone.

20190624_134138

We walked our feet off and simply ran out of time to go to thr Fine Arts museum with its grand collection of Impressionists....oh well next time!!

We returned to our groovy, chic appartment for dinner. A great day!!